Effects of populated towns on water quality in neighboring Galàpagos bays

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Abstract

Human activities profoundly influence the global cycles of nutrient transport coastal waters. Because of this, dissolved nutrient levels were studied in three Galàpagos Island bays (Academy Bay, Turtle Bay, and Wreck Bay) adjacent to the largest population centers and in one bay with no adjacent inhabitants (Cartago Bay), to characterize water quality within each bay. Water column and sediment samples were collected on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson during 20- 28 January 2006 and nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate concentrations determined.